Apparatus and method for controlling visibility and access to central venous access devices

Abstract

A device for controlling visibility and access to central venous access devices is comprised of a two-sided body fitted around the torso of a patient. The device has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is fitted with a layer of absorbent, wicking material and further includes strips of anti-slip material to fix the device in place. A flexible window is positioned between two lumen retaining flaps and fixed between the interior and exterior surfaces. The lumen retaining flaps create pockets to store and protect lumens attached to intravenous tubing. The body includes a flexible closure including a resilient gauze section to provide flexibility and size adjustability. The window allows visual access to the percutaneous site and prevents patient tampering.

1 . An apparatus for redirecting an intravenous tube and securing an attached lumen comprising:
 a flexible body having a perimeter, an interior surface, and an exterior surface;   a window fixed between the interior surface and the exterior surface;   a first flap attached to the exterior surface;   a first pocket formed between the first flap and the exterior surface;   a closure attached to the flexible body; and,   wherein the perimeter is configured to redirect the intravenous tube from the interior surface toward the first flap and the first pocket is configured to secure the lumen between the first flap and the exterior surface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a second flap releasably attached to the exterior surface; and, 
 a second pocket formed between the second flap and the exterior surface. 
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first flap further comprises a first flap edge connected to the exterior surface and a first opposing flap edge having a first fastener releasably attached to the exterior surface. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a first flap edge connected to the exterior surface and a first opposing flap edge releasably attached to the exterior surface by a first fastener; and, 
 a second flap having a second flap edge connected to the exterior surface and a second opposing flap edge releasably attached to the exterior surface by a second fastener. 
 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first pocket has open sides. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the closure further comprises:
 a first fastener section affixed to the exterior surface; 
 a second fastener section affixed to the interior surface; and, 
 an elastic section adjacent the second fastener section. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flexible body is generally elastic. 
 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flexible body is generally inelastic. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the interior surface includes an antimicrobial material. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flexible body further comprises an anti-slip segment affixed to the interior surface. 
     
     
         11 . A method of redirecting an intravenous tube from a percutaneous site and storing an attached lumen, the method comprising:
 providing a protective apparatus comprising a body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a window fixed between the interior surface and the exterior surface, a pocket formed between the exterior surface and a flap attached to the body;   attaching the device to the patient with the window adjacent the percutaneous site;   redirecting the intravenous tube by a perimeter of the body from the exterior surface toward the pocket; and,   storing the lumen in the pocket.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the steps of:
 placing the lumen under the flap; and, 
 securing the flap to the body. 
 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising the steps of:
 providing a flexible closure attached to the interior surface and the exterior surface, and, 
 adjusting a diameter of the device. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising:
 providing an anti-slip section attached to the interior surface; and, 
 positioning the anti-slip section adjacent the patient. 
 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for protecting a percutaneous site and storing a lumen attached to intravenous tubing extending from the site, comprising:
 a generally elastic body having an interior surface and an exterior surface;   a window fixed between the interior surface and the exterior surface;   a loop extending from a first end of the body;   a fastener affixed to the exterior surface proximate a second end of the body;   wherein a pocket is formed between the exterior surface and the second end as the second end extends through the loop and the fastener releasably attaches the second end to the exterior surface; and,   wherein the pocket is configured to store the lumen between the exterior surface and the second end.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising:
 a bend formed in the body adjacent to and around the loop. 
 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the window is configured to be adjacent the percutaneous site. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15  where the interior surface includes an antimicrobial material. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the window is proximate the first end. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the interior surface further includes an absorbent liner.